Crow Butte is one of the most prominent landmarks in the northwest corner of Nebraska. The site of a legendary battle in 1849 between the Sioux and Crow tribes, it stands out from most of the other major buttes in western Nebraska. Crow Butte is entirely on private land, so relatively few people are fortunate enough to obtain permission to climb to its summit. Crow Butte's history was featured in a special 2010 article in the Chadron Record. To read the article, click here: Crow Butte

Many of the photos below were taken during two hikes in 2007. During the first expedition up Crow Butte, hiker DeDe Farrar discovered the skeleton of a bighorn sheep and the radio tracking collar it had worn. The second expedition was with NebraskaLand photographer and now editor Jeff Kurrus for the basis of a 2008 article in the publication. For anyone fortunate enough to obtain permission for this private-land hike, this is truly one of the best climbs in the state.

There are also some more recent photos, including post-forest fire photos. We have also included a climbing route map for anyone who may obtain permission to climb Crow Butte.